I shared a recent transformation picture on Instagram about my bulking progress and got so many questions! So I thought I’d answer some of them here!
Q: What is “bulk” and “cut”?
A: Bulking is the term for eating in a surplus. This means that you are eating more calories than you are burning. Cutting is the term for eating in a deficit. This means that you are eating less calories than you are burning.
Q: How are you bulking?
A: I am naturally a very tiny person. Before my bulk, I weighed only 98 lbs/44kg. It is extremely hard for me to gain weight, so my bulk has been about adding mass. My goal has been to gain weight in order to build more curves to my frame. I have been eating whatever I want (pizza, tacos, ice cream, etc.), while lifting heavy specific muscle groups to bodybuild for aesthetics. For example, I have really been trying to grow my glutes so I have been working out legs 3 times a week to try and gain muscle mass in this area. I also have incorporated a ton of glute isolated exercises into my workouts.
Q: What is the difference between a bulk & a lean bulk.
A: In the bodybuilding world, most people refer to bulking as eating whatever you want, with no control. This often results in a ton of weight gain which can be turned into muscle. This can be a positive if you’re looking to add a lot of size, but it can also be negative. For most people, eating junk food for months can result in a major weight increase & bloating. Weight gain can be great (I love it), but I know that everyone isn’t too excited about that. A lean bulk is still eating a surplus amount of calories, but you’re eating “clean” foods for the most part. For example, I am now lean bulking and my daily food was:
Breakfast: Two eggs & two pieces of toast
Lunch: Protein sandwich wrap & a salad
Snack: Apple
Dinner: Veggie spaghetti noodles with tomato sauce
Q: What is the best way to bulk?
A: Bulking is different for everyone, depending on your body. Some people put on muscle and/or weight quickly while others do not. My suggestion for those just starting out is to track your macros and see what works and what doesn’t. You can then plan accordingly.
Q: Are you focusing on eating any type of food?
A: I am not. I know that a ton of people track their macros, but honestly I don’t have the time or energy. I know my body pretty well, so I just intuitively eat. Since I am a vegetarian, I just make sure that I am eating ample amounts of protein everyday.
Q: What supplements do I use to bulk?
A: I am not using any supplements during my bulk. I do take a multivitamin everyday & occasionally use protein powder. These are both supplements that I use year round though.
If you have anymore questions that you’d like answered, just drop a question below!
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but these shoes are so delightful! I have been postponing getting new gym shoes for months because I couldn’t decide which brand & style would best. I knew that I needed a flat bottomed shoe for lifting, but I wanted something versatile for all workouts as well. New Balance must have read my mind because these Minimus 40 Trainers are the perfect answer! They have a ton of support & are perfect for all the booty building exercises that I’ve been doing. Put these on your holiday list ASAP or treat yo self with #NewBalanceChi10 for $10 off your order. Hurry soon because the offer ends 12/32! #newbalancechicago
It’s nearly impossible to grow muscle mass in a caloric deficit, so when one wants to make gains they must eat: LOTS! I have been looking to put on a couple pounds of lean muscle, so I have been eating a ton & lifting heavy. Above is a progress picture with a brief description of changes that I’ve made to my diet & workout routine.
I am starting a 30 day booty challenge group on my fitness Instagram page: @melissa_fit.life
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